Ordering number:AS23026

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Signature: Bizen Osafune Norimitsu
Eikyo 3 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August, 1431)
備前長船則光
永享三年八月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku. This sword is classified as Jyojyo Saku for Bizen Osafune Norimitsu. It is ranked as Jyo Saku. Polished. Habaki: Gold-foil single layer.
Blade length: 47.0 cm (18.50 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi holes: 2
Width at base: 2.46 cm (0.97 in)
Width at tip: 1.47 cm (0.58 in)
Thickness: 0.55 cm (0.22 in)
Sword weight: 310 grams (0.68 lbs)
Era: Muromachi period, Eikyo 3 (1431)
Shape: This piece is a slightly small, one-handed wakizashi with a relatively deep curvature and a well-extended kissaki. The shape is well-balanced.
Jigane: The jigane is excellent, resembling the work of Yasumitsu and Morimitsu. A faint utsuri is visible.
Hamon: The hamon is well-defined, displaying a gunome pattern mixed with choji, characteristic of Norimitsu's style.

Features: The first-generation Norimitsu is said to date back to around the Kagen era, and he was reportedly a student of Nagamitsu. The Norimitsu line continued from the Nanbokucho period to the late Muromachi period. This work is remarkable, with all the fittings adorned with gold family crests.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Made of shakudo with openwork and decorated with twelve gold family crests around the rim.
Fuchikashira, Kojiri, Kuchigane, Kaerikata, Kurigata: All made of shakudo with gold family crests, displaying exquisite craftsmanship.
Saya: Black lacquered (roiro) saya.
Menuki: Likely made of solid gold, depicting flowers with nanako ground, an impressive work.
Kozuka: Made of gold, featuring flowers with nanako ground, beautifully crafted.
Kogai: The kogai features shakudo with nanako ground and a raised carving of a lion and peony, made of gold.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a splendid work, with all fittings, including the kozuka and kogai, adorned with gold family crests. Additionally, the reverse side of the signature is present, and the gunome hamon is distinct, with a clear utsuri visible. It is a highly recommended piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,250,000JPY

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